Lisfranc fracture

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The Lisfranc fracture is a fracture and dislocation of the joints in the midfoot, where a cluster of small bones forms an arch on top of the foot between the ankle and the toes. From this cluster, five long bones, the metatarsals, extend until the toes.

The fracture was first described by the French doctor and surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, who worked in Napoleon's army. This type of injury, which Lisfranc first described, occurred when a horseman fell while riding, having trapped his foot in the stirrup. At present, such an injury happens typically when one steps into a hole and the foot twists heavily. Falling from a height of two or three stories can also cause this fracture. Football players commonly get this injury when they have their foot pointing down and someone lands on their heel. There are also other ways of receiving such an injury.

The Lisfranc fracture normally requires surgery, and should be performed by a surgeon specialized in or, at least, very familiar with foot surgery.